Following a disappointment in love, Lord Brereton
assumes the name of Charles Fownes, arranges passage to the American
Colonies as a bondservant, and finds a place with Squire Meredith, a
wealthy New Jersey landowner. When Charles falls in love with
the squire's daughter, Janice, she is sent to live with an aunt in
Boston.
Janice learns of the planned British troop movement
to the Lexington arsenal and gives the warning that results in Paul
Revere's ride. Charles reveals his true station and becomes an
aide to Washington. When he is captured by the British, Janice
arranges his escape and later helps him learn the disposition of the
British troops at Trenton.
Janice returns to her home and agrees to marry
Philemon Hennion, an aristocrat of her father's choosing.
Charles and some Continental troops halt the wedding and confiscate
the Meredith lands. Janice flees to Philadelphia, and Charles
follows her. He is arrested but is freed when the British
general, Howe, recognizes Charles as his old friend, Lord Brereton.
Janice and her father retire with the British to
Yorktown. During the bombardment by Washington's forces, Lord
Clowes binds Janice and abducts her in his coach. Charles
rescues her.
With peace restored, Janice and Charles meet at Mount
Vernon, where they are to be married in the presence of President
Washington.